ONE: PUNCTUATION & MECHANICS Flashcards
Punctuation marks are used to do what?
Punctuation marks are used to join, separate, and end ideas.
When used appropriately, what do punctuation marks communicate?
When used appropriately, punctuation marks communicate the writer’s meaning to the reader.
What are these sentences an example of?
1. The boss said the secretary is incompetent.
2. “The boss,” said the secretary, “is incompetent.”
These sentences are examples of using punctuation marks to communicate meaning.
There are many cases in which the writer has a choice of which punctuation marks to use, whether to use any at all…this choice that the writer makes has to do with what?
It has to do with style not mechanics.
What is the definition of mechanics?
Mechanics are the rules governing punctuation marks that must always be used the same way in the same circumstances.
While the period is normally used to indicate the end of a sentence, it is also used to indicate what?
It is also used to indicate abbreviations, such as Mr., Mrs., Dr., Jr., & a.m. & p.m.
What is the definition of an ellipses?
An ellipses is a mark made up of three (and only three) periods in a row, with a space between each period.
Ellipses are used to indicate what two things?
- Material omitted from a direct quote.
- The passing of time.
What is this sentence an example of?
Lincoln said, “…with malice toward none…let us bind up the nations wounds….”
This sentence is an example of using an ellipses to signify that material has been omitted from a direct quote.
How is the first set of ellipses involving Lincoln’s speech being used?
Lincoln said, “…with malice toward none…let us bind up the nations wounds….”
The beginning parts of Lincoln’s speech is being omitted and being replaced by an ellipses.
How is the second set of ellipses involving Lincoln’s speech being used?
Lincoln said, “…with malice toward none…let us bind up the nations wounds….”
An ellipses is being used to leave out something in the middle of the sentence.
How is the last set of ellipses involving Lincoln’s speech being used:
Lincoln said, “…with malice toward none…let us bind up the nations wounds….”
The last set of ellipses is being used to end the sentence before Lincoln ended it.
Why does the last ellipses contain four periods instead of the three required ellipses periods?
Lincoln said, “…with malice toward none…let us bind up the nations wounds….”
It’s still an ellipses. It’s just that the first period is just ending the sentence and it is not part of the ellipses.
What are these sentences an example of?
These sentences are examples of using an ellipses to indicate the passage of time.
What is different (compared to using an ellipses to indicate omission) about using an ellipses to indicate the passage of time?
The use of an ellipses to indicate the passage of time is a matter of style…Either of the sentences could have been written without the ellipses, but of course, it would not have said quite the same thing.
What is the difference between using an ellipses for 2. the passage of time versus using an ellipses for 1. Material being omitted from a direct quote?
- Material being omitted from a direct quote is dictated by the rules of mechanics.
- The use of an ellipses to show the passage of time is a matter of style.
When it comes to the question mark…which is used to ask a direct question, what does this question exemplify?
The water is cold?
It exemplifies that even if the sentence is not structured as a question, the use of a question mark tells the reader a question is intended.
What is one thing about question marks that many writers don’t realize?
Writers do not realize that a question mark may serve as internal as well as terminal punctuation.
Question marks may occur where?
Question marks may occur within a sentence (internal) as well as at its end (terminal).
What are these two sentences an example of?
These two sentences are examples of question marks that occur in an internal punctuation and in a terminal punctuation.
What should be noted about question marks that occur in the internal position?
It should be added that question marks that occur in the internal position with their following word is not capitalized: “or” & “exactly”
Exclamation marks are used for what purpose?
Exclamation marks are used for emphasis, especially regarding interjections.
What is this sentence an example of?
Whew! did that hurt!
It is an example of an exclamation point being used for emphasis regarding interjections.
In terms of style, what else can be used besides an exclamation point interjection?
Commas can also be used following interjections, but you give greater emphasis with an exclamation.
In what way are exclamation marks and question marks similar?
Exclamation marks, like question marks, can be used internally in a sentence, as well as at the end.
In what instance are exclamation marks frequently used?
Exclamation marks are frequently used with the imperative mood.
What is this sentence an example of?
Stop that nonsense at once!
It is an example of an exclamation mark being used with the imperative mood.
What is the purpose behind using the exclamation point for the indicative mood?
When you want to bring added emphasis to a simple statement - the exclamation point is used for indicative mood purposes.
What is this sentence an example of?
I will never change my mind!
This sentence is an example of the exclamation point being used in the indicative mood.
What is this sentence an example of?
Do I love fudge!
It is an indicative mood exclamation point being used to end a sentence that is structured like a question.
Exclamation points, like any other punctuation is used primarily for what purpose?
For emphasis (such as underlining or italicizing).
What is a good word of caution about exclamation points?
They should be used sparingly. Overuse of emphasizing marks will have the exact opposite effect- it will dilute the impact of your writing.
What does the combination of a semicolon and a period suggest when it comes to a semicolon?
The combo suggests that it is stronger than a comma, but not as final as a period.
Why is it important to think of the semicolon as being a strong comma?
If you think of the semicolon as being a strong comma, you will be less likely to use it in the wrong place.
What are the four general uses of the semicolon?
The semicolon is able to do what?
The semicolon is able to join independent clauses when the comma/coordinating conjunction would be stylistically weaker.
What is a way to make this “okay” sentence better?
By replacing the comma and coordinating conjunction with a semi colon.
Better: Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.
What is this sentence an example of?
Stop that nonsense; or should I tell your mother?
This is an instance in which the semicolon is being used to separate a statement from a question or a needed shift in mood.
What two shifts are occurring in the this sentence in which the semicolon is being used?
Stop that nonsense; or should I tell your mother?
There is a shift from the imperative mood to the indicative and a shift from a statement to a question.
What is one reason why you would use a semicolon to either separate a statement from a question or create a shift in mood?
It can be done intentionally to render realistic dialogue - in which the semicolon is used to both employ a shift and keep the meaning clear through punctuation.
What is occurring within these two sentences:
What is occurring within this sentence?
Anyone interested in man’s past might major in history, the study of his recent past; archeology, the study of his ancient past; or anthropology, the study of his evolutionary development.
It should be noticed that these could be stand-alone sentences on both sides of the semicolon.
Except in instances in which the semicolon is used to separate series and clauses that contain internal punctuation, what is the primary function of the semicolon?
Semicolons primarily connect independent clauses.
What if you’re not sure whether you need a semicolon or a comma?
Substitute a period and find out if both elements are correct as sentences and can therefore be joined by a semicolon.
What is a colon?
The colon is a mark that indicates a series or one single idea.
The colon announces a series of points or a single idea in what three possible ways?
- A sentence (capitalization is optional)
- A sentence fragment (1st word is never capitalized)
- Unless it is a proper noun, there is a list that immediately follows.
In what kind of writing is the colon often used?
Technical writing.
What is this sentence an example of?
It’s an example of a complete sentence being used after the colon to communicate a series of ideas.
What should be noticed about the choice of capitalization regarding the “We” which occurs after the colon-especially when it comes to a complete sentence?
If what follows the colon could stand alone as a sentence, you may treat it as such-that is, capitalize the first word-or not…This is a matter of style. and the only important thing is that you are consistent within a piece of writing.
When it comes to grammar being a matter of style, what is important to keep in mind?
When writing is a matter of style it is important an important thing to remain consistent within a piece of writing.
What is this an example of?
This is a complete sentence being used after the colon to communicate a series of ideas (deciding not to capitalize & therefore turning the series of ideas into a sentence fragment).
While it’s perfectly acceptable to have “We had” if you’re not wanting to capitalize after the colon what must you do?
If you decide not to capitalize you have to turn the series of ideas/list into a sentence fragment (thus by removing the subject: “We had.”
If you decide not to capitalize- then you must also do what when it comes to a series of ideas/list which occurs after a colon?
Then you must make sure that what occurs after the colon is an incomplete sentence or fragment by removing the subject.
What is this an example of & what should be noticed about this example?
This is a list that immediately follows the colon. Notice that there is a period which ends the list.
What are the TEN distinct uses of the comma?
What are the eight coordinating conjunctions that join independent clauses? What is used with these coordinating conjunctions?
A comma is used with a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses:
How must independent clauses be joined with a coordinating conjunction?
If you join independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, a comma must come before the coordinating conjunction.
What if a coordinating conjunction does NOT introduce your clause?
If a coordinating conjunction does not introduce your clause, you must use a semicolon.
If a coordinating conjunction is not being used to introduce a clause & you use a comma instead of a semicolon, what kind of sentence do you get?
By using a comma instead of a semicolon when there isn’t a coordinating conjunction present to introduce the clause you get a run-on sentence.
What is this sentence an example of?
This is a comma being used with a coordinating conjunction to combine two independent clauses.
What is this sentence an example of?
Think about your speech; then you won’t get stage fright.
This sentence is an example of a coordinating conjunction that is not present & so a comma can’t be used, therefore a semicolon must be used.
What is this sentence an example of?
Think about your speech, you won’t get stage fright.
This is a run-on sentence because a coordinating conjunction is not present and a comma is used to join two independent clauses.
What is the #1 use of a comma?
Using a comma with a coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses.
What is the #2 use of a comma?
Using commas after an introductory adverb clause.
What is the function of the subordinating conjunction?
The subordinating conjunction signals an adverb clause.
What is the rule/grammar rule about beginning a sentence with an adverb clause?
Regardless of how long the adverb clause is - it must be followed by a comma.
What are the four most common subordinating conjunctions that start the beginning of an adverb clause?
- As
2.When - If
- Since
The nine most common subordinating conjunctions are?
When a sentence begins an adverb clause with “as” what does it require?
The adverb clause will require a comma.
What are these sentences an example of?
These are sentences that begin with “as” & therefore both require a comma.
What is #3 use of a comma?
Use of commas after introductory phrases - sometimes.
What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?
A clause has a subject and a predicate while a phrase doesn’t have a subject or a predicate.
What are the implications of a phrase not containing neither a subject nor a predicate?
It means that a phrase is often shorter than a clause that conveys the same idea.
How can a clearer understanding of a sentence be made when it comes to the inclusion of an introductory phrase?
A sentence can often be clearer if the introductory phrases are set off with commas.
When it comes to the introductory phrase, what is the common style guide rule?
If the phrase has four or more words, set it off with a comma.
What is this an example of?
After the game we went for a snack.
This sentence is an introductory phrase that has less than four words and is therefor not set off with a comma.
What is this an example of?
After a baseball game that lasted twelve innings, we went for a snack.
This sentence has an introductory phrase that has more than four words and therefore needs to be set off with a comma.
What is #4 use of a comma?
Use of a comma after introductory words.
What is an introductory word?
An introductory word is sometimes a single word that can precede the entire sentence.
The three kinds of introductory words include the following (commas):
What is this sentence an example of & what is modifying what (commas)?
Fearfully, we tiptoed down the creaky stairs.
In this sentence the adverb: fearfully is modifying tiptoed. This is an adverb that modified a verb in the main clause.
What is this sentence an example of (commas)?
However, we decided to try again.
This is a transitional word used to create a smooth flow from one sentence to the next.
What is this sentence an example of (commas)?
Mr. Abernathy, do you endorse our five-year plan?
This is a direct address.
What is the #5 use of a comma?
Using a comma to separate items in a series.
The four ways in which to use a comma to separate an item in a series includes the following:
What is considered to be a “short series” with regards to separating items in a series?
In a “short series” each member contains no more than two words.
When it comes to a short series what is a matter of style?
Concerning a short series, it is a matter of style whether or not you use a comma before the conjunction that precedes the final item in the series.
If you decide to use a comma before the conjunction that precedes the final item in a series- what is this called?
This particular insertion of a comma is called a “serial comma.”
What is this an example of?
Cinnamon, apples and pure butter went into that pie.
This is an example of serial comma being excluded from a short series.
When it comes to items in a series being longer phrases - what may need to happen?
If the individual items in a series are longer phrases then placing a comma before the conjunction may be preferable for ease of reading.
What is this an example of?
Freshly ground cinnamon, Mackintosh apples right out of Oregon, and pure country butter from Grandma’s farm went into that pie.
This has a comma being used before the conjunction because the individual items in the series are longer phrases.
What if all the items in a series are joined by a coordinating conjunction?
If all the items in a series are joined by a coordinating conjunction, commas are typically not used.
What is this sentence an example of?
Cinnamon and apples and pure butter went into that pie.
This sentence is an example of commas that are not being used because the items in the series are all joined by coordinating conjunctions.
If you have a series that includes an item that is itself made up of more than one thing what should you do?
Keep the components of that item together by not using a comma.
What is this an example of?
This involves an item in a series that is made up of more than one thing - and so the initial comma for that item is excluded while all other commas occur with its component parts.
The use of commas in a series - particularly at the end of a series is mostly a matter of what?
It is mostly a matter of style.
What is the #6 use of the comma?
It involves using commas with compound adjectives.
Sometimes what else is needed to modify a noun?
Sometimes more than one adjective is needed to modify a noun.
What is the stylistic “rule” governing the use of commas with compound adjectives?
The stylistic rule involved with compound adjectives has to do with using a comma when the adjectives modify the subject with equal force.
Other than instinct, how do you determine the relative “force” of adjectives?
If you can insert the word “and” between the adjectives, and the sentence still make sense, then you have equally forceful adjectives and you should use a comma.
What is this an example of?
…an old Easter hat…
This is an example of two adjectives that are not compound because they do not have equal force. In this instance the comma is excluded when the adjectives do not modify the subject with equal force.
How can the comma exclusion be determined in
…an old Easter hat…
with regards to its compound adjectives?
By using the “force” of adjectives test and inserting “and” you get “an old and Easter hat” which sounds ridiculous - the adjectives are not equal and so the comma is excluded.
What is this an example of? Why is the comma being included?
…an old, tattered hat…
The comma is being included because the adjectives do indeed modify the subject with equal force.
How can the comma inclusion be determined in
“…an old, tattered hat…”
regarding equal “force” and compound adjectives?
By using the “force” of adjectives test and inserting “and” you get:
“an old and tattered hat” which makes sense - the adjectives are forcefully equal and so the comma is included.
What is the #7 use of a comma?
The #7 use of a comma involves using commas with short independent clauses in a series.
While it has been stressed that only semicolons can separate independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction, there is a stylistic “rule” that actually outweighs this grammatical rule - what is it?
When independent clauses in a series are very short, you may elect to treat them stylistically like items in a series and use commas instead.
What is this an example of? Why are commas being included?
- I came, I saw, I conquered.
- I think, therefore I am.
- Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.
These sentences are short independent clauses in which commas are used instead of semicolons.
With these sentences why is a semicolon not a good idea?
- I came, I saw, I conquered.
- I think, therefore I am.
- Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.
The use of a semicolon would look awkward and suggest over-punctuation.
So, if you have a series involving independent clauses that are parallel and quite brief, it is appropriate do do what?
It is appropriate to separate them with commas.
What is the #8 use of a comma?
This use of a comma involves comma use with nonrestrictive modifiers.
When it comes to the use of nonrestrictive modifying phrases, what can often affect the meaning of a sentence?
The misuse of a comma with modifying nonrestrictive phrases can dramatically affect the meaning of a sentence.
How is a nonrestrictive modifying phrase featured in a sentence?
The nonrestrictive modifying phrase is always set off by commas.
What does this sentence feature?
The lawnmower, which is in the garage, needs repairing.
This sentences features a nonrestrictive modifier, which is always set off with commas.
When it comes to a nonrestrictive modifier needing to be set-off by commas - what is this first sentence saying about the lawnmower?
The lawnmower, which is in the garage, needs repairing.
It is saying that there is one lawnmower, that it is in the garage, and it needs repairing.
What is the definition of a restrictive modifier?
A restrictive modifier is like a nonrestrictive, however, it is inserted without commas and can drastically alter the meaning of a sentence.
What does this sentence feature?
The lawnmower that is in the garage needs repairing.
This sentence features a restrictive modifier that is not set off by commas.
What is this sentence saying about the lawnmower?
The lawnmower that is in the garage needs repairing.
This sentence, which features a restrictive modifier (without commas) is saying that, while there are several lawnmowers, only the one in the garage needs repairing.
What is the #9 use of a comma?
It’s about avoiding the use of a comma before verbs.
How is a comma fault occurring in this sentence?
In this instance a comma fault is occurring with the comma.
What is wrong in the sentence?
There is absolutely no need for a comma “,is”
Why is it an error to use the “,is” comma in the wrong sentence?
It is wrong to use it because it separates the subject “clause” from its verb “is.”
What would happen if you removed the comma from this “wrong” sentence?
Even though the sentence is long, its meaning is perfectly clear without the comma.
How can this wrong sentence be corrected?
What would the corrected version of this look like?
The sentence can be corrected by:
Where does the hyphen occur? What is this mark called?
This sentence exemplifies doing what regarding the use of dashes?
This matter-which is no concern of ours-should be handles by Mr. Roberts.
The four ways in which to use the dash/hyphen include the following:
To ensure readers are drawn to certain words and phrases involves using quotes in only these four circumstances:
When it comes to paying attention to where parentheses are placed, in conjunction with other punctuation, what is the first guideline?
When it comes to paying attention to where parentheses are placed, in conjunction with other punctuation, what is the second guideline?
When it comes to paying attention to where parentheses are placed, in conjunction with other punctuation, what is the third guideline?
When it comes to paying attention to where parentheses are placed, in conjunction with other punctuation, what is the fourth guideline?
When it comes to paying attention to where parentheses are placed, in conjunction with other punctuation, what is the fifth guideline?
When it comes to paying attention to where parentheses are placed, in conjunction with other punctuation, what is the sixth guideline?
What are these two sentences an example of?
They’re both example of guideline #6 about parentheses:
Because question marks and exclamation points can be used as internal as well as terminal punctuation, they can be used in a parenthetical element within a sentence, if the meaning calls for one or the other.
What are these two sentences an example of?
These sentences involve guideline #7 about parentheses, in which parentheses can contain either an internal question mark or an internal exclamation mark.
What is the following sentence an example of?
This is an example of showing the omitted material that is enclosed in brackets.
Regarding the quote, why is it important that “NASA” appear in brackets?
When you are quoting someone, you want to quote them exactly. “The general,” in the sentence did not actually say “NASA,” but if you don’t provide that info. your reader will not understand the quote.
What are the five general cases of capitalization?
What are the three special cases of capitalization?
What is the following a sentence an example of when it comes to capitalization?
Since “West” in the following sentence refers to culture, what happens?
“West” takes on capitalization.
What should be noted about these two sentences?
